Recently, The New York Times ran a story that notes that U.S. sunscreen protection standards are based on those promulgated in 1978, which prevents many European sunscreens from being sold in the U.S. This includes an ingredient called Tinosorb M, which is particularly effective at blocking UVA rays.

If you are traveling in Europe, you may wish to look for Avene’s Emulsion line, a gel-based sunscreen that I find very effective in blocking the sun.

This sunscreen is relatively inexpensive–it sells for about 9 or 10 euros, which works out to around $12-15, depending on the exchange rate. One of my favorites from their range is Avene Emulsion Very High Protection 50+, which has never caused any skin irritation or breakouts. It works nicely under my liquid foundation, and seems very effective.